Startup Platform Website

Innovation Hub Website

Project Overview

Innovation Hub, launched in 2025 to inspire innovation in rural Klamath and Lake Counties, needed a modern website to serve as the central resource hub for local entrepreneurs who might otherwise leave the area seeking opportunities. In partnership with Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) and OnTheVerge consulting, we developed a comprehensive 14-page platform tailored specifically for a rural town with big dreams. The website delivers exceptional performance while providing easy access to startup resources, mentorship programs, and success stories that encourage entrepreneurs to build their futures locally.

Project Services

Astro Website Development

Multi-Page Site Architecture

Performance Optimization

Google Analytics Integration

Responsive Design Implementation

SEO Optimization

The Challenge

Inspiring Innovation in Rural Communities

Innovation Hub faced the unique challenge of creating a startup ecosystem in rural Klamath and Lake Counties, where talented individuals often felt compelled to leave for larger cities to pursue entrepreneurial dreams. This new program needed a digital presence that could inspire confidence, provide resources, and demonstrate that innovation could thrive in a rural setting.

Rural Brain Drain

Talented individuals were leaving the area seeking opportunities in larger cities, taking their innovative ideas and potential economic impact with them.

Connectivity Constraints

Many potential users had limited internet speeds, requiring a website that would load quickly and perform well even on slower connections.

Building Community Confidence

The website needed to inspire confidence that a rural town could support innovation and entrepreneurship, countering preconceptions about limited opportunities.

Resource Accessibility

Entrepreneurs needed easy access to startup resources, mentorship, and training typically only available in urban areas.

Multi-Stakeholder Coordination

With partners including OIT and OnTheVerge consulting, the platform needed to serve multiple audiences while maintaining a cohesive vision.

Innovation Hub needed more than just a website – they needed a digital platform that could change perceptions about rural innovation and provide tangible resources to keep talent local.

Our Solution

Working closely with OIT and OnTheVerge consulting, we developed a comprehensive solution tailored specifically for rural innovation:

Lightning-Fast Performance for Rural Connectivity

We built the site with exceptional performance as a priority, ensuring it loads in under 2 seconds even on slower rural internet connections. This speed is crucial for users who might otherwise abandon a slow-loading site, missing valuable resources.

Inspiring Design That Builds Confidence

The modern, professional design immediately communicates that innovation can thrive anywhere. We crafted a visual language that balances sophistication with approachability, showing that this rural community takes entrepreneurship seriously.

Comprehensive 14-Page Resource Platform

We built distinct sections for entrepreneurs, partners, resources, events, and success stories. The platform includes business plan templates, funding application guides, local grant directories, legal startup checklists, marketing toolkits, and connections to SBDC advisors. Each page serves a specific purpose in the entrepreneurial journey, from initial inspiration to finding mentorship and funding opportunities.

Local Success Story Showcases

We featured local entrepreneurs like 93c Degrees (a thriving coffee roastery), Klamath Basin Brewing Company, and several tech startups that chose to stay local. These stories demonstrate that success is possible without leaving the area and inspire others to pursue their dreams locally.

Mobile-First Accessibility

With 100% mobile responsiveness, entrepreneurs can access resources whether they're at their home office or on the go. This flexibility is essential for busy entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities.

Data-Driven Growth Through Analytics

Google Analytics integration provides insights into how entrepreneurs use the platform, which resources are most valuable, and where users need additional support, enabling continuous improvement of offerings.

Our Process

Discovery & Rural Innovation Strategy

We began by understanding the unique challenges of fostering innovation in a rural community:

Collaborated with OIT and OnTheVerge consulting to understand local needs
Analyzed why talented individuals were leaving the area for opportunities
Identified specific resources needed: business templates, funding guides, mentor connections
Planned site structure to inspire confidence in local innovation potential
Established performance requirements for varied internet speeds

Site Architecture & User Journey Planning

We designed a comprehensive 14-page structure tailored to rural entrepreneurs:

Created distinct pathways for innovators and potential partners
Organized resources to address common rural startup challenges
Structured mentorship and training sections for skill development
Designed success stories section to showcase local achievements
Planned intuitive navigation for users with varying tech experience

Astro Development & Performance Focus

We built a lightning-fast static site optimized for rural connectivity:

Implemented Astro framework for optimal static site generation
Configured build process for sub-2-second load times
Created reusable components for consistent user experience
Optimized assets for users with slower internet connections
Built responsive layouts that work on all devices

Content & Resource Implementation

We populated the platform with valuable startup resources:

Developed comprehensive startup resource library
Created event management system for workshops and networking
Built mentorship connection features
Implemented success story showcases to inspire local entrepreneurs
Added partnership opportunities to expand the ecosystem

Analytics Integration & Launch

We ensured the platform could measure and grow its impact:

Integrated Google Analytics for usage tracking
Set up conversion goals for resource downloads and event registrations
Performed extensive testing across devices and connection speeds
Launched with local entrepreneur community feedback
Established monitoring for continuous improvement

The Results

<2s

Page Load Speed

Resource Pages

500+

Monthly Active Users

Partner Organizations

The Innovation Hub website has become a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in rural South Central Oregon:

Exceptional Performance Metrics

With page load times consistently under 2 seconds and a Lighthouse performance score of 98/100, the site provides fast access to resources regardless of connection speed. This performance has been crucial for user engagement in areas with limited bandwidth.

Growing Entrepreneurial Community

In its first year, the platform has connected over 500 monthly active users with resources they need to build businesses locally. The startup resource library has seen over 200 downloads of business templates and guides, while the mentorship program has facilitated 50+ entrepreneur-mentor connections.

Increased Local Innovation Visibility

By showcasing success stories and available resources, the website has helped change perceptions about rural entrepreneurship. More individuals are considering starting businesses locally rather than relocating to urban areas.

Strong Multi-Partner Collaboration

The platform effectively serves the needs of multiple stakeholders – OIT provides educational resources, OnTheVerge offers consulting expertise, and Innovation Hub coordinates the overall ecosystem. The website seamlessly integrates these offerings.

Resource Accessibility Success

Entrepreneurs now have 24/7 access to practical tools including business plan templates, financial projection spreadsheets, marketing strategy guides, legal entity comparison charts, local funding directories, and pitch deck examples. The organized resource library has become an essential tool for local business development, with the most popular resources being the 'Rural Business Startup Checklist' and 'Local Grant Application Guide.'

Inspiring a New Generation

Perhaps most importantly, the website demonstrates that rural communities can foster innovation. It's helping retain local talent and attract new entrepreneurs who see the potential in building businesses in a supportive, close-knit community with lower costs and higher quality of life.